Servant Perks Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17

God takes care of those in God's service.

At a Glance

Startup companies have long had a reputation for offering enticing office perks, such as foosball tables and free lunches. But even better amenities are available to ansyone willing to be a servant of God.

Editors' Pick

For material based on today's gospel text, see "Let's Just Be Friends," June 20, 1999, at HomileticsOnline.com.

"Bend an ear, God; answer me. I'm one miserable wretch!"...

Talk about a cry for help.

Psalm 86 really comes to life in the Bible translation called The Message Remix. Gone is the formality of the King James Version, which begins the psalm with the words, "Bow down thine ear, O Lord" (v. 1). In its place is a desperate plea, offered by a person at the end of his rope. "Help your servant," he pleads, "I'm depending on you!"

We know what the psalm-writer is going through, don't we? Long days at work can turn us into miserable wretches. We put in extra hours, but still feel "poor and needy" (v. 1, NRSV). We take work home, but never seem to get ahead....